Natalia Alas Durán, LICSW, LCSW-S

Hey! I’m Natalia (she/her/ella), a therapist who works with adults (18+)  navigating chronic illness, disability, chronic pain, and trauma. Many of the people I support are living with complex medical conditions, balancing caregiving responsibilities, and/or carrying the long-term effects of medical, intergenerational, or childhood trauma.

I’m especially passionate about working with adults who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color), neurodivergent, and/or queer, and whose identities shape how they experience illness, disability, stress, and healing. I also work extensively with individuals who have experienced medical trauma, including feeling dismissed, misunderstood, or overwhelmed within healthcare systems.

My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where we can explore what you’re carrying, make sense of how it’s affecting your mind and body, and find ways to create more relief in your life.

My Approach

With over ten years of experience working in medical and community settings, I bring a holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally attuned approach to therapy. My background includes supporting immigrant communities, college-aged and working adults, and BIPOC clients and caregivers within integrated healthcare environments. Therapy with me is collaborative and paced, meeting you where you are without pressure to “push through” or minimize your experience.

I’ve worked with individuals living with various chronic health conditions such as cancer, gastrointestinal illness, traumatic brain injury and post-concussion syndrome, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, achalasia, POTS, dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, and medical trauma.

I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I use a blend of evidence-based therapies to help you regulate your nervous system, process difficult or overwhelming experiences, and better understand why your body and mind may be responding the way they do. Throughout our work, we also make space to explore how identity, disability, culture, and systemic stressors intersect with your mental health.

Therapies I Use:

In our sessions, I usually draw from EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), culturally adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed practices to tailor therapy to your individual needs. Together, we can address concerns such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, grief, anger, and the emotional toll of living with chronic illness and/or trauma. 

I am so excited for the chance to work with you. If any of this resonates, book a free consult call using the calendar on the side of this page!

Fun Facts About Me:

• I have two puppies named Flan and Osito who I firmly believe have a mission in life to make sure I never sleep.

• I really enjoy spending time outside, so if it's nice out you can find me sitting in my backyard or exploring a park/hiking trail with my dogs.

• I love writing, drawing, and watching my comfort TV shows

• I can be a bit of a nerd, especially when it comes to talking about mental health. I read my first psychotherapy book when I was 15 years old.

Insurance: 

Aetna in Texas and Massachusetts.

Optum (United Healthcare, Oxford & Oscar) in Texas and Massachusetts.

BlueCross and BlueShield in Texas and Massachusetts.